Page 19 - Jigsaw October 2019

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of this article. They sold clothing, household products, furniture and, later, white goods. Much of their trade was using travelling salesmen who were provided with a suit and suitcase. In all, the company had over 60 branches in the Midlands and South. Their name can be seen to the right of the picture of United Counties bus No 405, travelling to Rushden, which was taken in the early 1970’s. They were bought out
by Thrapston Farm and Garden in the late 1970’s who initially focused on providing a service to local livestock farmers including the supply and repair of milking equipment. With the decline locally in dairy farming, they expanded their merchandise range. About ten years ago, the premises were completely renovated. A large quantity of old paperwork from over 100 years ago was discovered
in the loft and was kindly donated to the Historical Society. Much of it was badly water-damaged but some ledgers, sales
books and material samples from Victorian times were salvageable. There were corsetry leaflets and many price tickets. Examples are shown; a number of others can be viewed on the Thrapston Heritage website at www. thrapstonheritage.org.uk.
My thanks to David Richardson and Farm & Garden for details included in this article.
Thrapston District Historical Society
17th October at 7.30pm St James Church Hall
DEATH IN THE GARDEN - MURDER, MAGIC & MYTH With historic gardener, Michael Brown Visitors welcome £2.50
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